She's Behind You

You don’t just see Panto. Panto sees you. 

Johnny McKnight has spent a lifetime in the pantosphere. Now, after playing eighteen dames and writing more than thirty pantomimes, he invites you to join him on a transformative journey, taking a sneak peek behind the curtain - beyond the makeup, sequins and padding - to get to the heart of panto. 

Following a five star sell out Fringe run in 2025, this joyous Fringe First and The Besties award-winning show is a hilarious and touching exploration of Johnny’s adventures entertaining audiences across Scotland over twenty years. Pantomime may be the most popular form of theatre – oh yes it is! - but it can also be the most conventional. His story is a testament to pushing the boundaries through a candid exploration of identity, courage and self-acceptance. 

She’s Behind You is a collaboration with multi award-winning director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Black Watch, Once, Let the Right One In) which celebrates the shifting traditions and the unexpected truth and beauty found in the wonderful anarchy of pantomime. 

Originally commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland and Traverse Theatre and produced by the Traverse Theatre in association with the National Theatre of Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025. She’s Behind You was originally conceived as part of the Cameron Lectures, in association with the University of Glasgow and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Image: Hope Holmes/RCS